IBSC Certified Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C) Practice Test

Which finding indicates respiratory alkalosis?

PaCO2 > 45 mmHg pH < 7.35 PaCO2 < 35 mmHg HCO3- > 26 mEq/L

Correct Answer:

PaCO2 < 35 mmHg

Explanation:

Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation that blows off carbon dioxide, raising the blood pH. The defining lab finding is a low PaCO2. A PaCO2 below 35 mmHg fits this pattern, indicating hypocapnia from increased ventilation. The other options point to different disturbances: PaCO2 above 45 mmHg signals respiratory acidosis; a pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis overall (could be either respiratory or metabolic); a high bicarbonate suggests metabolic alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, bicarbonate may decrease as a compensatory response, especially if the condition is acute, but the key indicator here is the reduced PaCO2.

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